Sands (charity)

SANDS Garden NMA

Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) is a UK-based charity organization dedicated to supporting anyone affected by the death of a baby, improving the care bereaved parents receive, and reducing the loss of babies’ lives. Established in 1978, Sands operates across the UK, offering support to parents and families who have experienced the death of a baby, whether through stillbirth, neonatal death, or miscarriage.

History

Sands was founded in 1978 by a small group of bereaved parents devastated by the death of their babies and by the lack of acknowledgment and understanding of their grief. The organization was formed with the dual aims of supporting bereaved families and working in partnership with health professionals to improve the quality of care and services offered to bereaved families. Over the years, Sands has been instrumental in breaking the silence around stillbirth and neonatal death and has played a key role in driving research and policy changes aimed at reducing the rates of baby deaths.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Sands is to support anyone affected by the death of a baby, to work to improve the care bereaved parents receive, and to create a world where fewer babies die. Sands envisions a world where fewer babies die and where anyone affected by the death of a baby receives the best possible care and support for as long as they need.

Activities and Services

Sands provides a wide range of services and activities to support bereaved families and to promote research and policy changes, including:

• Support Services: Sands offers emotional support and information to parents and families who have experienced the death of a baby. This includes a national helpline, local support groups, and online forums.
• Healthcare Professional Training: The charity provides training and resources for healthcare professionals to improve the care bereaved parents receive.
• Research and Policy Work: Sands is involved in research to understand the causes of baby deaths and works to influence policy and practice at both local and national levels to reduce the number of babies dying.
• Awareness Campaigns: Sands runs campaigns to raise awareness about stillbirth and neonatal death and to challenge the stigma and silence that often surrounds these tragedies.

Impact

Sands has made significant contributions to the field of baby loss through its support services, research, and policy advocacy. The organization has been a key player in raising awareness about the issues surrounding stillbirth and neonatal death and has contributed to changes in policy and practice that aim to reduce the incidence of baby loss.

Challenges

Despite the progress made, Sands continues to face challenges, including the need for ongoing research into the causes of stillbirth and neonatal death, the need for improved bereavement care services, and the challenge of ensuring that all families who experience the loss of a baby receive the support they need.

See Also

• Stillbirth
• Neonatal death
• Miscarriage
• Bereavement